How to water Geraniums

How to water

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet, you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot. There are several ways to water geraniums - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Geraniums are quite tough and can easily handle dry periods. It’s also easier to save an underwater geranium than an overwatered one.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

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Water bath

Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put your geranium back in the cachepot or on the tray
After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Geraniums don’t like to live in wet soil, so make sure that your plant is planted in a pot with excellent drainage.
— Planta tip

Frequently asked questions

When should I water my geraniums?

You should water your geraniums when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Waiting for the soil to dry helps prevent overwatering and potential root rot.

What is the best way to water geraniums?

There are several effective ways to water geraniums, including watering over the soil, bottom watering, or using a water bath. Choose the method that works best for you and your plants.

How do I avoid overwatering my geraniums?

To avoid overwatering, always check that the top layer of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage, and never let your geranium sit in standing water.

Can I bottom water my geraniums?

Yes, you can bottom water geraniums by filling the plant tray with water and letting the soil absorb it for about 10 minutes. Remember to also water over the soil occasionally to wash away accumulated salts and minerals.

How do I perform a water bath for my geranium?

To perform a water bath, fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the entire pot into it, ensuring all soil is submerged, until bubbling stops. Lift the pot to drain excess water, then place your geranium back, checking after an hour that it's not standing in water.

What happens if I water my geranium when the soil is already wet?

If you water your geranium when the soil is still wet, you risk giving the plant too much water. This can lead to root rot, which is much harder to recover from than underwatering.